Auto testers have benchmarked the new A45 AMG and M135i against Audi's outdated RS3 model and the less powerful new S3, naturally finding the quattros a bit wanting.
Audi has taken offense to this and is preparing an answer. This is that answer, the next generation of RS3 Sportback, spotted here for the first time while undergoing testing in Germany
The vehicle is a test mule, visually identical to the S3. It has the S3 body kit, the S3 sport quad exhaust, but there's one quite obvious difference. Looking at the front brakes, we spot the same lightweight brake kit developed by quattro for the RS7. It's a six-piston setup, obvious overkill if this were just the S3.
Audi is aggressively downsizing its performance engines, so this could be a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. After all, Ford dropped the T5 in the Focus ST. That's not the case. The 2.5-liter TFSI is one of the most famous Audi engines of all time, and they've developed an updated model.
This new engine is going to have better internal components and a more modern block. It will also have at least 380 horsepower accord to most reports.
The vehicle is a test mule, visually identical to the S3. It has the S3 body kit, the S3 sport quad exhaust, but there's one quite obvious difference. Looking at the front brakes, we spot the same lightweight brake kit developed by quattro for the RS7. It's a six-piston setup, obvious overkill if this were just the S3.
Audi is aggressively downsizing its performance engines, so this could be a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. After all, Ford dropped the T5 in the Focus ST. That's not the case. The 2.5-liter TFSI is one of the most famous Audi engines of all time, and they've developed an updated model.
This new engine is going to have better internal components and a more modern block. It will also have at least 380 horsepower accord to most reports.